Investors might want to bet on Itron (ITRI), as earnings estimates for this company have been showing solid improvement lately. The stock has already gained solid short-term price momentum, and this trend might continue with its still improving earnings outlook.
Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this energy and water meter company is driving estimates higher, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements. Our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- has this insight at its core.
The five-grade Zacks Rank system, which ranges from a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record of outperformance, with Zacks #1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008.
For Itron, there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising earnings estimates, which has helped push consensus estimates considerably higher for the next quarter and full year.
For the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $1.28 per share, which is a change of +3.23% from the year-ago reported number.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Itron has increased 23.78% over the last 30 days, as four estimates have gone higher compared to no negative revisions.
For the full year, the company is expected to earn $5.27 per share, representing a year-over-year change of -6.23%.
In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Itron. Over the past month, seven estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 12.19%.
Thanks to promising estimate revisions, Itron currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The Zacks Rank is a tried-and-tested rating tool that helps investors effectively harness the power of earnings estimate revisions and make the right investment decision. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Our research shows that stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) significantly outperform the S&P 500.
Itron shares have added 5.5% over the past four weeks, suggesting that investors are betting on its impressive estimate revisions. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away to benefit from its earnings growth prospects.
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Itron, Inc. (ITRI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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